Definition Essay and The Structure of a Compare or Contrast Essay
The Thesis Statement
The clear thesis statement for a definition essay introduces the term and provides a definition. There are three basic ways to define a term.
Definition by synonym
Example: He is a neophyte (term) +, which means he is a beginner or novice (synonym).
Definition by category
A forest ranger (term)+ is a worker(category) who is trained to protect wildlife in national parks( detail).
Definition by Negation
Obsession (term)+is not an eccentricity (what it is not). It is a mental illness (what it is).
Express your attitude or point of view in your thesis statement.
No point: Avarice means greed.
Point: Avarice or greed, invariable leads to tragedy.
PRACTICE
Write a thesis statement by defining the following terms using your own words. Try to make a definition by SYNONYM- CATEGORY or NEGATION. Indicate the main ideas in the thesis statements.
Example: Road rage is not a momentary lapse of judgment; it is a severe criminal behavior. ( why). You support it in the body paragraphs. First, second….
- Kindness
- Helicopter parents
- Cyberbully
- Avatar
- Viral Marketing
When you define a term by category, make sure the category is correct.
1. Anorexia nervosa is the inability to eat. ( it is not an ability).
2. Anorexia nervosa is when you want to be thin. ( when refers to time , but anorexia nervosa is not a time).
3. Anorexia nervosa is where it is hard to eat correctly. ( where refers to a place, but anorexia nervosa is not a place)
CORRECT —-Anorexia nervosa is a tragic eating disorder characterized by the desire to become very thin.
Practice
- Multitasking is when you do many activities at once.
Practice Write a definition thesis statement with any of the following topics, select 1.
Topic: Goth
Topic: the American dream
Topic: A good citizen.
Plan the Essay
THESIS STATEMENT – add three major supporting details, and three minor details to each.
- __________________________
A.________________________
B.______________________
C.________________________
II.____________________________
A._____________________________
B.__________________________
C._____________________________
III. __________________________________
A._________________________________
B._____________________________________
C._________________________________
The Structure of a Compare or Contrast Essay In a compare / contrast essay students have to compare two objects, problems or events and evaluate their similarities and differences. This can be done in three ways: 1. Discuss the similarities between them 2. Discuss the differences between them 3. Discuss the similarities and differences between them Compare or contrast essays are grouped by object or by point.